The Legislative Black Caucus has called for the University of Oklahoma to diversify its governing board as an avenue for an inclusive campus.
We agree and believe that same policy should be extended to the Oklahoma State University regents, the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education and others.
The state regents and the OU and OSU boards don’t have a single black or Latino member. Of the 25 total seats on the boards that govern the top ranks of Oklahoma higher education, only six are held by women.
This is in contrast to the diversity found among students. About 40 percent of OU students and 34 percent at OSU identify as nonwhite. Women make up about 49 percent on each campus.
A more concerted effort is needed to better represent the student populations the boards serve.
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Two recent incidents involving blackface at OU thrust the university into an embarrassing spotlight, again. Four years ago, a fraternity’s racist chant captured on video made national headlines. The latest incidents triggered campus-wide discussions and rallies around the issues of race, ethnicity and inclusion.
The OU regents have publicly supported President James Gallogly, who has been criticized for his handling of the situation.
It was a predictable and perhaps justified position for the regents. But the board’s support is weakened by its own lack of diversity. The regents speak for the university officially but don’t reflect its population.
Last week, Sen. George Young, chairman of the Legislative Black Caucus, suggested ways for OU to promote diversity and tolerance. He and two other members met with Gallogly about the proposed reforms.
These include a zero-tolerance policy on hate speech, financial support for African-American programs and more multicultural faculty, staff and administrators.
We have concerns about banning free speech, but efforts to boost multicultural programs and diversify employees are laudable goals.
Gov. Kevin Stitt has indicated an inclination to appoint a black leader to a vacant OU regents seat. That’s a good start. We strongly urge him to continue to appoint regents who reflect the state and encourage him to do the same with all his leadership positions as opportunities arise.
